The University of Rhode Island
Department of Journalism
Odds & Ends

If you are interested in broadcast journalism, you should consider joining the student chapter of the Radio-Television News Directors Association. Ours is one of only two student chapters in New England; the other is at Emerson College. See Professor Levin if you would like to re-activate the group.

Journalism majors are encouraged to get involved with student media. For print/writing oriented experience, there is The Good 5-Cent Cigar (Tuesday-Friday newspaper), Broadcast-oriented students have WRIU radio and WRIU-TV. Other student organizations publish newsletters or need help with public relations. Involving yourself in such activities can be fun as well as educational. And down the road, when it comes to applying for an internship, scholarship or job, these experiences are a real plus.

Advanced students (generally seniors) wishing to carry out a special project and earn academic credit can do so with JOR 440-Independent Study. Students also can earn JOR 440 credit when working on projects with faculty members. Most Independent Study projects are generated by a student. Credits range from 1 to 3; an application is required for registration and is available in the department office. Note: JOR 440 cannot be used for internship experiences beyond the 6 credits allowed by the major.

The display case outside the department office is for postings about internships, jobs, scholarships and graduate programs. You should check it regularly. Faculty members also post informataion in the cases outside their offices.

Many students study abroad, either to fulfill the language requirement or for their own interests. If study abroad is in your plans, let your advisor know. Most programs do not have courses you can take for Journalism credit, so you need to plan your work here carefully to insure you get what you need when you need it. Complete information is available at the Office of International Education and National Student Exchange in Taft Hall.

Some journalism- and public relations-related internships are available through the Office of Internships and Experiential Education. The office, in Taft Hall, can fill you in on the program, and Journalism faculty are available to supervise you. Note: You can earn some JOR 345 credits for an OIEE internship.